Youth and smoking

In 2008-9, according to the Youth Smoking Survey, 22% of youth in grades 6 through 9 and 48% in grades 10 to 12 reported having tried a tobacco product at least once. 3% of those in grades 6 through 9 and 13% of those in grades 10 through 12 reported being current smokers. So why are so many kids and teens smoking?

Children and teens start smoking for many reasons, but the most common is peer influence. It's important for parents and caregivers to talk openly about the risks and concerns with smoking and to keep the dialogue going through the teen years.